Barcelona Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Barcelona

The Columbus Monument is a 60m monument to Christopher Columbus found at the lower end of Rambla street in Barcelona. It commemorates Columbus's reporting to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella upon his return to Spain from the first American expedition.

The monument was built in 1888 for the International World's Fair held in Barcelona that year. The bronze statue of Columbus, crowning the monument, was sculpted by Rafael Atche. Originally, the statue was intended to point westward in the direction of the New World, but instead, it points east, reportedly, towards Columbus's home town of Genoa in Italy. Underneath the statue, there is an inscription reading: "Tierra" (land). Down below are the series of sculpted images of the people related to Columbus, important scenes from his voyage to the Americas, the places he visited, as well as the scene of him meeting King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in Spain.

Tip:
Take the time to go around the monument which has four groups of sculptures at the base, as well as a wine bar and a store selling some great souvenirs/gifts that aren't as mass-produced as what you'll find at the street vendors.
You can then take an elevator to the viewing platform from which you can enjoy a sweeping view of the area. For that, you must pay an admission fee.

Viewing Gallery:
Daily: 8:30am-8:30pm

La Rambla is Barcelona's main thoroughfare packed with colorful shops, cafes, restaurants and just as colorful leisurely crowd. It is by far more than just a street but a live manifestation of Barcelona's adventurous and independent spirit. The street runs for 1.2 kilometers from the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya in the center of the city, and is particularly dense at the height of a tourist season. The pavement cafes and souvenir kiosks, lining the street, attract numerous city guests much as the local pickpockets, beware, so it's always good to keep one's eyes open, just to be on the safe side.

The prices here are a bit steeper than elsewhere in the city, but then again, excitement does come at a price, you know, and La Rambla sure gives tonnes of it. One of Spain's greatest poets, Federico García Lorca, once said of La Rambla that it's "the only street in the world which I wish would never end." Ahh...

Tip:
You have to walk on Las Rambla to get to the famous La Boqueria market, which has tons of places to eat and many great options. However, if you want excellent food at half the price and to be able to actually sit and enjoy your meal, go to Mercado de Santa Caterina, which is a 10min walk from La Boqueria.

Palau Guell (or Guell Palace) is a town mansion in the Raval district, created by Catalonia's #1 architect Antoni Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Guell. Gaudí was commissioned to the project in 1885 and the palace was opened in time for the World Exhibition of 1888.

A magnificent Modernist building, this is one of Gaudí's early works in Barcelona and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as "Works of Antoni Gaudí". Designed as a multipurpose building, with flats, event and exhibition spaces, there were just 18x22 meters of floor space available to build it.

Some of the facade elements make it look like a Venetian palace. The interior is centered around the main guest room fitted with tiny observation holes, hidden in the ornate walls and ceiling, through which the owner could sneak peek at the guests, from the upper floor, prior to greeting them in person. The two large oval gates at the front, featuring iron-work in the form of seaweed, resembling a horsewhip, made it possible for the high-society guests to arrive in their carriages straight into the horse stables at the basement. From there, they could then climb upstairs.

Why You Should Visit:
Location just off the famous Las Ramblas and being less well-known means fewer tourists and a great way of saving time yet managing to see some nice Gaudí work right in the old quarter of the city.

Tip:
The roof terrace is the pièce de résistance, with colorful chimneys, decorated with broken tiles and mosaics, no two of which are alike! Altogether there are 20 chimneys, which also serve as ventilation shafts.
On a rainy day, the roof is closed, mind you, so you better check the weather forecast upfront so as not to visit here when it's wet outside.

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am-8pm

Located to the north of Las Ramblas and a couple of blocks south of Catalunya Square, the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, commonly known as simply La Boqueria, is extremely busy no matter what time you go, but the vendors are so quick and used to it and the market is so large that the crowds are quite tolerable. The first-ever mention of a marketplace here dates back to 1217 when the stalls were installed near the old city gate to sell meat; however, it wasn't until 1826 that the market was officially recognized.

La Boqueria is a great place to learn about Catalan traditional food, to take yourself on a tapas tour, to learn about and sample jamón (usually served with cheese), to buy the world's freshest saffron (sold in various-sized small boxes) and fresh-caught seafood (no fish Sundays and Mondays) or buy tasty culinary souvenirs to take home. There's also a sit-down counter/bar-like place, called Kiosko, that offers fresh fish cooked right there for you. And, of course, there's an abundant choice of olives and fantabulous fresh fruit!

Explore deep into the market where some of the better stalls are. Try a little of everything and you won't be disappointed.

Tip:
Keep in mind that there are lots of pick-pocketers in the area. Whether by yourself or with friends, it's a good idea to watch your belongings.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am-8:30pm; closed on Sundays

Placa Nova in Barcelona is a treasure trove for art lovers to feast their eyes on. The place reflects the history of Barcelona in its entirety depicted in the historical passageway on the wall. Among other notable things here are the sand cast friezes, designed by Pablo Picasso, adorning the famous Architects’ Association of Catalonia building. There are also beautiful pieces of Gothic art and architecture around as well.

The exact year of origin of Placa Nova, one of the four main entrances to the Roman City of Barcelona, is not known, although historians lean towards 1358 as the year from which its documented record can be traced.

Tip:
Around August 16, the day of Sant Roc, the square hosts a festival reflecting many unique traditions and festive elements of Barcelona, making it one of the most unique celebrations of the city.

La Seu, or Barcelona Cathedral, is one of the most famous and celebrated religious sites in the city; a classic piece of 14th-century Gothic architecture.

Set upon elevated ground, it is considered Barcelona's religious center. Historical records say this site was previously occupied by a temple and then a mosque before the cathedral was built.

Second only to Antonio Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in terms of fame, the Barcelona Cathedral is definitely second to none in terms of magnificence. It represents a tasteful blend of Renaissance and medieval styles, complete with a tall bell tower - a classic sample of Gothic architecture.

Behind the high altar, inside the cathedral, there is a beautiful alabaster sarcophagus of its patroness, Santa Eulalia, who is also considered a co-patroness of Barcelona. According to historical documents, Santa Eulalia was burned at a stake by the Romans for her firm Christian faith that opposed Roman pagan beliefs. It is now a tradition for visitors to leave a coin here for Eulalia.

Why You Should Visit:
A very nice mix of church, mini-park, place to relax, place to pray...

Tip:
Cathedral Visit (Choir entrance + Access to the rooftop + Chapter hall + Virtual Audio guide) €9.00
Cathedral + Museum (Choir entrance + Access to the rooftop + Chapter hall + Virtual Audio guide + Museum) €15.00

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00am-6:30pm (last entry: 6:00pm); Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm); Sun / public holidays: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm).

The Palace of Catalan Music, opened in 1908, is a one-of-a-kind concert hall. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it was designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and is undoubtedly among the most representative monuments of Catalan Art Nouveau architecture. It is also the only European auditorium lit up entirely with natural light during daylight. Although it seems somewhat overshadowed by the much-acclaimed Gaudi creations, the palace is still deservedly regarded as an architectural treasure, well worth exploring, if only from the outside.

The facade is lavishly adorned with elements of both traditional Spanish and Arab decorative styles. Dominating the building's corner is a sculpture representing popular Catalan song and is very much a song set in stone itself – uplifting and inspiring. Crowning it is an allegorical mosaic featuring busts of famous composers, such as Bach, Beethoven, and, of course, the most popular composer of the early 20th century – Wagner.

Entry to the palace foyer is free, as well as to the courtyard – there, visitors can sit outside with a drink or snack. However, the main attraction is the first-floor auditorium where modernist excesses truly run wild and each decorated surface is the work of fine craftsmanship. The spectacular stained glass ceiling alone is particularly worth checking out; its shape and dimensions are recognized as an engineering miracle of the period. But that's not where all the fantasy ends. Do take care to explore the beautiful three-dimensional muses at the back of the stage that seem to be climbing out of the walls, and then check out the masterpiece proscenium framing the stage, with Valkyries riding across. Truly astounding!

Perhaps the best way to acquaint yourself with the palace is to take a guided tour – these are quite popular, so advance booking is recommended. Alternatively, you may pop in for a coffee or tapas lunch at the foyer bar to sample the atmosphere and see plenty of modernist detail, or, even better, attend one of the concerts. The concert program includes classical music, jazz and sometimes ethnic music as well. The top-notch sound and lighting systems make the entire setting very intimate and fit to render any performance memorable if not the highlight of your Barcelona experience altogether! So, do give it a thought...

Tip:
Be sure to take opera glasses or binoculars and/or to check out the nice café on the ground floor!

Daily Tours:
10am-3:30pm

As well as being the most connected transit hub for Barcelona's metropolitan area, Plaça de Catalunya is the heart of the city in a wider sense. It is undoubtedly one of the busiest and most interesting places, acting as one of the starting points of Barcelona's main arteries, such as Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, or the pedestrian street Portal de l'Àngel. It is also the connection point between the Old City and its gridded 19th-century extension known as Eixample, which is home to some of Europe’s most exquisite architecture.

One of the largest squares in Spain, it stands as one of Barcelona's most bustling places due to the endless restaurants, hotels, shops, cafes and entertainment venues found throughout the area. If you look in the middle of the square itself, you will find pavement stones arranged in the shape of a star which, they say, marks the center of the Catalonian capital.

For high fashion, design, jewelry and department stores, the principal shopping axis starts here – so if you're in for some retail therapy, this is the place to go. An initial orientation point for visitors is the white-faced El Corte Inglés, Spain's only surviving department store, an enormous fortress-like behemoth that houses everything you would expect – from books, music and food to high fashion, jewelry, technology, and homeware. The store is famous for its decent customer service, but also the 9th-floor cafeteria where you can get a seat by the window affording a great panoramic view over the square below. On the opposite side is El Triangle, a commercial center that is home to FNAC, a mega media store with several slick floors of books, music and technology.

Plaça de Catalunya is also known for its fountains and statues, attracting flocks of tourists and pigeons in their thousands. As the afternoon proceeds, it gets increasingly crowded and colorful, perfect to get a sense of life in Barcelona as there are always lots and lots of details to observe.

Tip:
The fountains are pretty in the day but the display at night is beautiful, illuminated by alternating colored light.

Formerly known as Camí de Jesús (or "Jesus Road"), this wide, tree-lined avenue originally linked the Old City and the former village of Gràcia even before Barcelona's ancient walls were torn down. The urbanization project started around 1820, provided impetus for Passeig de Gràcia to evolve into what it is today. Even by the early 1900s, it was Barcelona's most fashionable street.

Aside from the beautiful wrought-iron street lamps installed in 1906, one can also notice here the greenish-gray pavement tiles designed by Antoni Gaudí, creating an abstract vista of sea creatures which add a great deal of uniqueness to the area.

Delightful for strollers, this boulevard is now home to many of the city’s most elite stores, similar to those found on Paris's Champs-Élysées or New York's 5th Avenue. Eating out here is a bit pricey, but there are quite a few budget-friendly venues down the side streets, with foods ranging from Syrian and Ethiopian to some Asian fusions.

More notably, this is also the top place for Modernist architecture, most of which is clustered on the main street and some of the side streets as well. Buildings, balconies, stained-glass windows and carved doors are all within sight, including major highlights like Gaudí’s La Pedrera and Manzana de la Discordia, as you wander around the area fitted with gems by the world's three top Modernist architects. With the most mansions here belonging to Barcelona's wealthiest citizens of the late 19th – early 20th centuries, there's no shortage of richly and tastefully decorated facades to behold. Day or night, Passeig de Gràcia offers a fantastic opportunity for architecture buffs to crane their necks admiring Barcelona's urbanism.

Tip:
This boulevard is particularly magical in summer when the locals compete between themselves decorating the streets as part of the Gràcia Festival, which, together with the live music played everywhere, makes it a really fun place to be!

Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Lleó is one of the three Modernist buildings forming Manzana de la Discordia (the “Block of Discord”) on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona; the other two being Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller.

Originally built in 1864, it was renovated in 1902 and appears less extravagant, perhaps, than the other two “casas”, but no less opulent when it comes to the richly decorated balconies and facade. The ground floor of the building, altered years ago, has recently been restored to its original beauty and now looks quite impressive.

Casa Lleó Morera is easily distinguishable by its egg top and profusely ornamented round-shape balcony. Also, at a closer look, you can make out on the facade the illustration of the building's name “Lleó Morera”, which means “lion” and “mulberry” in Catalan. Also, there is a depiction of a light bulb and telephone – the newest inventions of the period – that the author felt obliged to reflect on the facade as well.

The first-floor dining room reveals one of Barcelona’s most stunning interiors. The stained-glass windows, wondrous wood and marble work, complete with the eight ceramic mosaic wall panels depicting idyllic country scenes, make this private house very different from the works of Barcelona's other renowned modernist, Antoni Gaudí. The staircase is also quite unusual for European buildings of the period.

Compared to the widely popular and besieged by visitors Amatller and Batlló houses, a visit to Lleó Morera would be comfortably relaxed, but not boring. There are paid guided tours of the building available, so if you're a passionate modernist or architecture buff, you may consider taking one – you won't regret it!

One of Barcelona's most unforgettable pieces of architecture, Casa Amatller seemingly has stepped out from a fairy tale. It was built at the end of the 19th century to the design clearly adhering to the Modernist style which was later followed in a number of buildings throughout the city. The “casa” stands directly next door to Antoni Gaudí's Casa Battló, opposite the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, and is an architectural masterpiece in its own right modeled by one of Gaudí's main competitors, Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Initially, it meant to be a family home for the famous chocolatier, Antoni Amatller Costa, who was also a passionate art collector, photographer and traveler. The immediately striking feature of this building is the triangular stepped gable inspired by Dutch urban architecture. The wrought-iron balcony and colorful ceramic tiles on the outer wall contribute to the wonder-like appearance, much as the large doors with stained-glass windows in the lobby.

The house is open for tours to those willing to explore the more curious and extravagant interior, including bedrooms, dressing rooms and bathrooms, dining room, music room, and the scullery – all with their original furnishings. For visitors' convenience, there are audio guides available in a variety of languages.

After visiting the mansion, you are welcome to take a seat at the cafe downstairs for a cup of coffee or light snack – or better yet, enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate with a soft bread toast. There's plenty of chocolate to choose from, from chocolate bars to chocolate-coated nuts to cute little boxes of chocolate candies and more – a perfect edible souvenir from Barcelona for a sweet-tooth waiting for you back home!

Tip:
You can visit the whole mansion for a fee, or you can just take a seat at the cafe downstairs for a cup of coffee or light snack – or better yet, enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate with a soft bread toast. There's plenty of chocolate to choose from, from chocolate bars to chocolate-coated nuts to cute little boxes of chocolate candies and more – a perfect edible souvenir from Barcelona for a sweet-tooth waiting for you back home!

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am-6pm

Casa Batlló – one of the highlights of Modernism and Catalan Art Nouveau architecture in Barcelona – is largely regarded as the ultimate masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí. Originally built in the 1870s, it was redesigned by Gaudí in 1904 in an astonishing renovation project that turned this relatively ordinary mansion into a work of art. Lovingly referred to by the locals as the “house of bones” for its almost bone-like balconies, or the “house of the dragon” for its roof resembling a dragon’s humped and glossy scaled back, this is certainly one of the weirdest-looking residential buildings of Europe.

There are not many buildings in the world that seem more like a living thing than an inanimate object, yet Casa Batlló achieves exactly that and its design feels almost alive. Any time – day or night, there is a small crowd outside, standing on the pavement staring up the wavy-shaped facade covered in a mosaic of fragmented colored glass and ceramic discs. Gaudí's use of light and color is wonderful, especially in the ceramics, and the curves soften the hard materials quite brilliantly. The building's interior is swirly and curvaceous, but to see it with your own eyes, you'll have to pay an admission fee which is somewhat steep compared to other attractions in Barcelona.

However, if you decide to go in, make sure to take a free audio-guide, as it really helps understand the historical and artistic context of the building. Now that all the rooms are devoid of furniture, this smart guide enables you to imagine what it was like when the original furniture and lighting were in place. As in the case of Casa Milà, Gaudí designed every single bit and piece here, right down to the very door handles, so as to ensure they fit in seamlessly, complementing the entire form and function.

Despite the presence of an elevator, visitors are encouraged to walk up the stairs to the rooftop, so as to soak up the atmosphere with its intricate textures and shapes – glass walls and tiles. At the end, up on the roof, visitors are rewarded with a scenic view of the area, as well as the up-close encounter with the roof itself including, of course, the signature twisted and tiled chimney pots looking as if they were brought in from a land far, far away...

Tip:
For a fee, you can get a photo taken on the small balcony at the front of the building (on your way down from the roof); both a printed copy and e-copy.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-9pm (last entry: 8pm)

Hugging the corner of Passeig de Gràcia, the curvy Casa Milà is yet another fabulous creation of Antoni Gaudí, located just minutes away from his other masterpiece, Casa Batlló. Commissioned by a rich developer who had just married an even richer widow, this apartment block is the most original in the entire city of Barcelona and vividly illustrates how well ahead of his time Gaudí, the designer, really was.

The nickname La Pedrera (“The Quarry”) stems from the building's stony, fortress-like appearance, but Gaudí himself thought of it more as a body covered with skin, where the columns are the building’s skeleton, and the stone – its flesh. It may not look much from a distance, but as you get near, you are gradually drawn in and can't stop staring! The whole structure is so seamlessly sinuous that it looks as if molded rather than built, while the apartments inside resemble eroded cave dwellings.

After being declared the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, La Pedrera was acquired by a Catalonian banking foundation and, upon the completion of restoration and cleaning works, some of its original decorations came back into sight. The owners also refurbished the building, adding some new features inside.

Among them is a recreated early 20th century-style apartment on the fourth floor, an elegant model of a well-to-do family's dwelling of the period. Up in the attic, there is a tribute to Gaudi’s life and work presented in the form of scale models and plans, drawings and photographs of all his Barcelona creations. Among other things, the display illustrates the master's inspiration found in natural objects such as pumpkins, seashells, and even python skeletons.

In keeping with the building's facade, the roof terrace maintains the peculiar architectural style in the form of chimneys, ventilation shafts and stairwells without detriment to their functionality. Complementing this is a stunning panoramic view of Barcelona and a nice respite from the street bustle down below. If you plan on getting out on the roof terrace, make sure to come on a fine day, for it is closed when it rains.

Tip:
Do try and book your ticket online in advance to skip the queue and, possibly, come at or after the sunset, when the lights are on, so as to appreciate the surreal audiovisual show. In summer months, jazz and flamenco concerts are often held here, which is quite a treat as well!

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-8:30pm (March-Oct / Dec 26-Jan 3); 9am-6:30pm (Nov-Feb)

Night Tour:
Daily: 9-11pm (March-Oct / Dec 26-Jan 3); 7-9pm (Nov-Feb);

Gaudí's major Gothic masterpiece is indeed awe-inspiring up close. This mammoth basilica seems to sprout from the ground and keeps rising and rising as far as the eye can see. Gaudí spent a large part of his career on this iconic monument, having dedicated over 43 years to its design. The construction works are still underway and are as much part of the attraction as the building itself.

From the outside, there is much to take in, but the interior is no less extraordinary with the eyes being drawn at once to the walls and the roof. Huge, bright, colorful and vibrant stained-glass windows line the walls, filling the church with natural light and an explosion of color. Supported by countless pillars with strong trunk bases that sprout into branches as they near the ceiling, the temple's roof really looks like a forest canopy.

Simply walking around alone and marveling may work in a regular church, but the Sagrada Família leaves you clueless as a rock if you decide to do the same here. This cathedral is another level and there is so much to know about it that you really shouldn't waste your time without a guide. Luckily, the audio devices they provide at the entrance offer plenty of information whilst allowing sufficient time to wander around. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour in the language of your choice directly at the basilica's website.

When planning a trip, pre-purchasing a ticket online is absolutely recommended and will let you skip the long line upon arrival.

Furthermore, don't forget to make time for the museum below offering a great deal of information, including audiovisual presentation, about the Sagrada Família project's past and future, as well as about Gaudí himself. You may also wish to visit the small school built by Antoni Gaudí for the construction workers' children right on the site.

Tip:
Note that children under 6 cannot go up the towers and a walk down the spiral steps can be a bit daunting for some. Should you decide to go for the climb, ask the staff where the “backside elevator” is, as there are usually fewer people there.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-8pm (Apr-Sep); 9am-7pm (Mar, Oct); 9am-6pm (Nov-Feb); 9am-2pm (Dec 25/26, Jan 1/6); last entry: 30 mins before closing time